Your Old Droog discusses cultural identity in hip-hop landscape

In an exclusive interview with HYFIN Verified, Brooklyn-based emcee Your Old Droog shares his latest studio album, “Movie,” and his evolving place in hip-hop. Released to critical acclaim, “Movie” spans 18 tracks and features collaborations with industry titans like Madlib, Harry Fraud, Ohbliv, Just Blaze, and Conductor Williams.

“When I was a young child watching movies with my parents, whenever something was too good to be true, like a crazy stunt, or something that defied reality in a film … they would simply say ‘Kino’,” Droog shares. “I wanted this album to be exactly that, too good to be true.”

The album, led by the standout Method Man and Denzel Curry-assisted single “DBZ” produced by Madlib, represents a new chapter for Droog. It’s a far cry from his enigmatic entry into the hip-hop scene a decade ago, when speculation swirled about the identity behind his sophisticated wordplay and gruff delivery.

Now, with eight LPs and ten EPs under his belt, Your Old Droog has solidified his position in hip-hop as an erudite rapper capable of tackling any beat with precision. “Movie” marks a new era for Droog, where his days as the dark horse of rap are firmly behind him.

In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, Your Old Droog stands as a unique figure. The Ukrainian-Jewish American rapper has carved out a niche with his sharp lyricism and diverse influences, crafting a legacy far beyond borders.

Droog’s journey began with intrigue. His voice drew comparisons to Nas, sparking speculation about his identity. “I’m just a private person,” Droog explains. “I had to get used to people speculating on my identity.” This initial mystery only added to the allure of his music, drawing listeners in with curiosity and admiration for his skill.

His musical roots run deep, with influences spanning across genres and eras. Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas shaped his early love for hip-hop. “Ready to Die just messed my head up,” Droog recalls. “I have no choice. It’s not like I chose to be a hip-hop fan. It just happens.” But his inspirations extend beyond rap, including Frank Zappa and classical composer Igor Stravinsky, contributing to his unique sound and perspective.

Droog’s approach to music is deliberate and thoughtful. He aims for timelessness in his lyrics, a lesson he learned from studying the greats. “I learned that from Prodigy,” he notes. “A lot of his lyrics weren’t dated. It’s like poetry.” This dedication to craft has earned him collaborations with industry giants. Madlib, Just Blaze, and Yasiin Bey have all worked with Droog, recognizing his talent and unique voice in the hip-hop landscape.

“Movie” represents a significant shift in Droog’s artistry. “I’m trying to create a great album that resonates with people,” he says. The title reflects his philosophy of being the director of one’s own life, a theme that resonates throughout the album. “I wanted to tell my personal story but also a larger story that every person can connect with. We are all writers, directors, and stars of our own Movie and we have the ability to make it something special.”

As he reflects on changes in the music industry, Droog observes critically. He notes the lack of gatekeeping in the current landscape, reminiscing about a time when “there was more like journalists and people who cared about what came out.” Despite these changes, Droog remains committed to his craft and his vision.

Looking ahead, Droog’s ambitions are clear. “I want to keep getting bigger and better,” he states. “Perform on bigger stages, get bigger bags, more awards.” Yet despite his success and growing recognition, Droog remains grounded. He embraces his unique background, refusing to fit into a specific box. “I’m too Jewish for Ukrainians, too Ukrainian for Jewish people,” he laughs, highlighting the complex identity that informs his art.

As Your Old Droog continues to push boundaries in hip-hop, “Movie” is a testament to his growth as an artist and his potential to make an even bigger impact on the genre he loves. With upcoming tour dates and collaborations on the horizon, it’s clear that Droog’s story is far from over – in fact, it feels like the opening act of a much larger cinematic experience.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.